As a global infrastructure development strategy launched by the Chinese government in 2013, the "Belt and Road Initiative" has attracted increasing attention. Most studies have interpreted the strategy from the perspectives of macro policy, diplomatic and economic influence, and education communication. However, there is a scarcity of studies focusing on factors influencing BRI students' decision to study in China. With a sequential explanatory mixed method, the paper compared BRI and non-BRI students and found that the two groups' students have significantly different motivations to study in China. Their decisions are usually based on whether external factors can meet their personal needs and the possible benefits and cost of meeting such needs. Hence, it is suggested that China take different marketing strategies in response to different students' needs and improve the quality and visibility of higher education to China's international education's sustainable development.